NCL Airport Shuttles

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How are the NCL Airport transfers? Are they usually a disappointing way to begin a vacation?

We are flying into Hobby Airport in Houston at about 10:30 on the day of our cruise and are trying to decide whether to take the NCL transfer or super shuttle. Do they just sit around for hours until the shuttle is full or do they usually leave pretty promptly if not full to capacity?

 

What about returning to the airport after the cruise? We have a 11:30 flight and are wondering if they have shuttle for people walking off or if we would be sitting around waiting while other people get their luggage.

[Demonyte]

We have never used cruise line sponsored transportation but from what I've read here, your fears are close to the truth. Also in most places when there are 2-3 people in the group, a regular taxi is cheaper than the cruise line coach.

 

Also when you book transport from the ship to the airport, they will have a special luggage tag color for each transport timeslot so yes, you'd have to wait for people in that group to get their belongings.

[Solararc]

We used NCL transfers in Honolulu, they were fine, not a stretch limo but got us to where we needed to go in a timely manner, air conditioned and a reasonable price, in Vancouver I had arranged for a limo service which was certainly nicer but you get what you pay for. If considering a taxi in some euro countries be advised that they have a luggage fee per bag that adds up quick for several passengers. Last time we were in Barcelona baggage fee was €3.50 per bag plus fare plus tip

 

 

*Living large one week at a time*

[Nola26]

I used the NCL carrier from the Ft Lauderdale airport to port of Miami. Easy to find guides in baggage claim, courteous, left close to schedule time with fewer than 10 on a full size motor coach. Dropped off just outside terminal entrance, easy.

 

Return trip just as easy, bus outside terminal, just a few steps and I was on. That bus was fuller, but no trouble getting to airport.

 

For one person it was a good value at $25 each way. As group size increases it is less of a value.

 

I'm not a fan of Super Shuttle because my general experience is that they go through a route then take off for your destination. The NCL shuttle was point to point.

[Toni Wilson]

We had no problem very little wait

[Susie51]

We cruised out of Houston on Pearl in Dec. Super Shuttle waits to have enough people going in the same direction before leaving for the pier. Then they do several stops along the way to let off people at their hotels.

 

Leaving the ship might be a different scenario, but with an 11:30 flight, I think a taxi would be best for you.

[zqvol]

How are the NCL Airport transfers? Are they usually a disappointing way to begin a vacation?

We are flying into Hobby Airport in Houston at about 10:30 on the day of our cruise and are trying to decide whether to take the NCL transfer or super shuttle. Do they just sit around for hours until the shuttle is full or do they usually leave pretty promptly if not full to capacity?

 

What about returning to the airport after the cruise? We have a 11:30 flight and are wondering if they have shuttle for people walking off or if we would be sitting around waiting while other people get their luggage.

 

 

Returning to the airport is a completely different story. Everyone who has a ship transfer is told to gather in a certain location on debarkation day. They all have the same color tags, and go off the ship in a group. The buses fill as quickly as people get through security, so there is no long wait at all.

 

The real issue with post cruise shuttles is that they are often tied to tours and don't accommodate people with flights before about 3:00 p.m.

[gerry1.10]

How are the NCL Airport transfers? Are they usually a disappointing way to begin a vacation?

We are flying into Hobby Airport in Houston at about 10:30 on the day of our cruise and are trying to decide whether to take the NCL transfer or super shuttle. Do they just sit around for hours until the shuttle is full or do they usually leave pretty promptly if not full to capacity?

 

What about returning to the airport after the cruise? We have a 11:30 flight and are wondering if they have shuttle for people walking off or if we would be sitting around waiting while other people get their luggage.

 

For Bayport Cruise Terminal, to and From Hobby Airport best to take a cab (about $40). It is cheaper and more convenient than the other alternatives.

Edited March 17, 2015 by gerry1.10

[hrslvr142]

Just traveled on Jewel this past week out of Hobby...we stayed night before at an airport hotel, were told to arrive around 10:45, got there at 10:35 & had "just missed" the first bus. We did not depart for well over an hour, we waited for the last two coming in on a flight, it was a little frustrating.

 

Return was much better, there were two times for those going back to the airport that had not booked flights through NCL but that NCL knew the times of their flights. First was early, around 8:30 if memory serves me correctly, for those with early flights. The second was 10 for those of us with late flights. We arrived at Hobby right at noon.

 

With that being said, if I was going to do it again, I would have walked my own luggage off at 8 am, caught a cab & got a much earlier flight.

[don't-use-real-name]

how are the ncl airport transfers? Are they usually a disappointing way to begin a vacation?

 

Airport transfers are no more disappointing than other modes of transport from the airport to the ship and back to the airport.

The bus drivers are usually witty and informative narrating as they drive the route to the port. The seating is comfortable and some have overhead tvs

with features of interest. Some have a restroom for convenience..

 

We are flying into hobby airport in houston at about 10:30 on the day of our cruise and are trying to decide whether to take the ncl transfer or super shuttle. Do they just sit around for hours until the shuttle is full or do they usually leave pretty promptly if not full to capacity?

 

I have not been to houston but have been to miami-new orleans-los angeles-seattle-vancouver and whittier (anchorage).

The airport transfer system is pretty much the same - you have contracted with ncl for transport from the airport (or city hotel) to the port.

You have advised them of your time of arrival (flight #) and ncl in turn will have a large enough bus to take everyone to port.

Yes if you check in early at the transfer assembly point there maybe some waiting with or without comfortable seating.

If this takes 2 or more buses they will plan on this. When one bus is filled it leaves for the port there is a cut off time for the last bus service to the port.

Where large groups are concerned or the bulk of expected air traffic is enough to fill one or more buses

that is arranged so the buses do not have to make multiple delaying stops to

get to and from the ship (especially at los angeles and miami). The chartered

motor coach buses are the best way to get to the port since they drive almost

right up to the check-in area and gangway. Better than a cab or private car

which may leave you walking a block or two.

 

What about returning to the airport after the cruise? We have a 11:30 flight and are wondering if they have shuttle for people walking off or if we would be sitting around waiting while other people get their luggage.

 

If you are walking-off with luggage in hand the airport transfer system is

not something that you would use and ncl would not endorse.

The walk-off is where you contract privately with a shuttle service or other private venue for

your transportation - this is done with the idea of catching a flight earlier than

the ncl transfer provides.

So your 11:30 flight would be too early for the purpose of using a ncl chartered

bus (ncl cut off point is usually 1:00 pm - you can do it for flights after noon

but you are on your own - there are no guarantees in any event transportation is what it is).

If you contract with ncl for the transfer service you will be given special colored

tags for your luggage and will pick it up in a designated area inside the cruise

terminal. You don't go to that point right away - you assemble at a designated

area on the ship and will be notified when to proceed to get your luggage and

go to the area where the buses area located. Again if you are in large affinity

group you may have a bus that goes to one specific airline - otherwise as many

buses as necessary will be provided for the transfer. Any sitting around will be

done in a convenient area on the ship or the buses.

 

Value wise the airport/port transfer is a relatively good deal and ncl does a good

job of taking care of your transfer needs.

 

YMMV